Legacy Infinite: Draft Review

Welcome to the 2k13 death row b-ball tournament.  This year for the first time, thanks to the creative vision of Scrappy, we began with a pre-season tournament.  And you had to watch closely to recognize that they were only exhibition games and not the playoffs.  Yes; it was that intense!  It was hard and competitive; but fun, clean basketball.  The kind of ball we’ve become accustomed to seeing here.

In a move that surprised no one, Coach T.C. of Team Apocalypse, selected The Phenom with the number one selection.  He will be teamed with Bucktown and Billy-Ho to try and secure yet another chip.  Coach T.C. was also fortunate enough to pick up 4-0-9, last year’s top rookie and current rebound record holder in the 6^th round!  It appears as if someone was asleep at the wheel on that one.

Silk Money was drafted 2^nd overall by The Gem, Coach of Team The Team to Beat who will hence forth be known as TTTB.  Silk will join forces with Tone “Wild Thing” Loc and The Carpenter in their quest for the chip.

Coach Chimmi-Short for Chimichanga of Team Hakuna Matata, used the third pick in the draft to select E-Smoove.  He’ll be rolling with The Human Eraser, Young Frost, Geezy and Runny Ray, in what appears to be the deepest team in the league.  The term “Hakuna Matata” is Swahili for “No Worries.”

Coach Chimmi chose this name because he wants this particular coaching experience to be enjoyable.  He doesn’t want his players to be concerned about all of the particulars.  He just wants them to step out and have a good time.  So, Hakuna Matata!

Coach La-La took Heart-N-Soul with the 4^th pick for Team Dead Game.  Heart-N-Soul will be joined by Lil’ Bison, Scrappy, The General and Pit Bull.  Dead Game is a term used to describe a competitor who never loses heart and will fight to the bitter end.  Coach La-La says he chose the name for the naysayers who believe his team would not be competitive.  He promises to make believers out of any opponent who sleeps on his squad.

There are rumors floating around that this may be the final season for The Phenom as a baller, that he’s talking retirement.  Wow, talk about doing a Barry Sanders!  He’s never been better.  I can’t wait for the Rap Session on that one.

And there has already been some grumbling about the selections for the pre-season All-World team!  Easy gentlemen, easy.  The preseason list is merely a projection.  As always, season ending honors will be based on work put in during the season and nothing is given.  And if you think character doesn’t count, that’s where you’d be wrong; we do it grown man style.

The season is not yet underway and we’re already in mid-season form.  It’s shaping up to be the best, hottest and most competitive season ever.  That’s what’s up.  I’ll be at the table.

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2013 by Paul Brown

Legacy Infinite: Rap Session, Between the Baselines

B-ballers,

What it do?  By now you should already be appreciating my man Bigg Dogg’s commentary pertaining to our inaugural preseason b-ball tournament.  He and Mr. Blue will be handling the game-by-game commentary for this season’s b-ball expressions.  Your MannofStat will be coming at you from time to time, on the Rap Session tip.  So let’s do this the way it’s supposed to be done.  Aight?

Last season’s top coach has been establishing his b-ball pedigree since his kinship to the legendary “Team Dynasty” in 2006.  Low key like a baritone, J-Rock coached last season’s tournament champs (Runnin Rebels) to a respectable 12-2 record.  As I write these words, I find it to be poetic justice for a “Team Dynasty” alumnus to have coached a team, skilled enough to tie our postseason scoring record (94 pts) – set back on 4/25/06.  That’s what’s up!

The topic of his chip chasing Runnin Rebels and Team Dynasty, inflames the already heated b-ball passion within the coach/wing nightmare.

“Team Dynasty consisted of the best players, but we still had to show and prove on the court.  Last season, I had the luxury of coaching great players.  But hell; witness Lebron James.  Talent alone doesn’t get this job done.  You still gotta compete.”

J-Rock’s fiery passion for this game, transitioned into a discussion about the 2001 NBA finals.  This is a painful memory for me, because his Lakers handled my Sixers in 5 games (4 straight wins after game 1).  Three of the Lakers’ wins came at the expense of my hometown crowd.  SMH.

“I love a good fight, even if I lose.  It’s the answer to the game.  Like Allen Iverson in the NBA finals, Philly took game 1, at Staples, but sometimes one blow is enough to inspire that competitive spirit.  Everybody can’t win.  Someone has to lose to Goliath.”

Okay Playa, Despite the fact my Sixers’ 30 year championship rut is a sensitive subject for me; I continued our rap session without pause.  I quickly changed the subject by asking if he could put together another championship squad.

“No doubt.  The talent pool on the row is filled with men who are willing to put forth the effort it takes to win.  The improvement amongst players and the mental part of the game is there.”

Now, the ballers on the row pat the rock all year long, but they decided to put some numbers to this year’s off-season feats.  The top coach decided to lace up his kicks and accumulate some numbers of his own.  Na mean?  He put forth an impressive preseason showing.  I had to ask if this preseason tournament awakened his desire to play. 

“Pretty much.  Drop a couple of treys; take em’ to the rack with the left; And 1!! I’m good (Laughs).  I don’t know, I this its time to hang it up.”

When asked how he deals with the tension and negativity that surrounds our current living status, he leaves us with this jewel:

“Yoga; plain and simple.  At the end of the day, it’s the challenge of overcoming that negativity that drives me.  So, I accept this challenge, because without it I couldn’t grow.  It’s life.  You gotta appreciate the negative with the positive.”

That’s real talk coming from a baller who wants to finish as a winner, on and off the court.  On that note, I’ll leave you with the high-powered And 1 slogan:  “Before you start, you better know how to finish.” Ya heard?

 

Much Love,

MannofStat, RAP SESSION

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite: PreSeason Wrap-Up

“It isn’t the stats that tell the story; it’s the passion.”

-       Unknown

Ballers,

What it do?  I would like to say kudos to our first ever preseason tournament!  Like I said, “this league keeps progressing and evolving to a higher level each year.” These two ballers; Lil’ Scrappy and Silk money took the initiative and fore thought to organize this tournament.  It’s great to see young men bring vision to life.

Here on the row we are housed on two floors:  lower level and upper level.  The guys organized three teams for each level with an average of seven players per team.  I’m housed on the upper level so we will start off with them.

Team 1 was coached by Slick Rick, Team 2 was coached by The Carpenter and Team 3 was coached by The Beast.  This was the first time that The Carpenter and The Beast ever coached in our league’s history.  Due to The Carpenter having leg surgery, he had to find a way to fulfill his basketball addiction from the sideline.

Our preseason debut found Team 1 led by E-Smoove, J-Rock, Geezy, and The Blanket in Hunger Games  mode!  They couldn’t wait for the season to begin.  Having to work out the kinks from Old Man Winter, they surely brought the heat to the masses.  Their preseason record was (3-2).

Team 2 led by The Phenom, Heart-N-Soul, Lil’ Scrappy and Bucktown played a competitive preseason.  Even through it was only preseason games, they played like the chip was on the line in every single game.  Their preseason record was (2-3).

Team 3 led by Lil’ Magic, Human Eraser, and Lil’ Giant pulling up the rear, dominated the preseason going (4-1) to claim the preseason champs.  Lil’ Magic refereed last season due to back problems.  So he was all amped up to participate in this preseason tournament.  As usual he led his team and orchestrated the show like a maestro.  Given his team a ‘five hoops’ performance to all the haters!  LOL.

In the double elimination rounds (upper level) Team 2 went (3-0) and took home the chip by defeating Team 3, 50-46.  You would have thought Team 3 would have steamrolled through the postseason after having a successful preseason, but that wasn’t the case.  The Phenom, Heart-N-Soul, Lil’ Scrappy with the rest of Team 2 would have none of that!  After already defeating Team 3 earlier, this game set up the championship showdown. 

Team 3 needed to beat Team 2 twice to be crowned postseason champs!  At the half, Team 2 found themselves down 18-25.  Team 2 would not be swayed from their goal after the break.  During the second half Team 2 chipped away and away to find themselves back in contention with a one point lead; 46-45.  Leave it up to the pure shooting ability of Lil’ Scrappy (2k13 All-World Second Team Squad).  He hit the final two buckets to seal the deal and crown Team 2 post-season champs!  Congrats to them and the other teams who competed hard and gave it their all on each possession.

Meanwhile, our fellow b-ballers on the lower level are not to be overshadowed when it comes to performing on a higher level.  Even though I wasn’t able to see any of their games doesn’t mean these guys can’t turn up the heat!  They keep the integrity and legacy of our league intact every time they step on the court.

Team 1 was coached by Tariq.  Team 2 was coached by LaLa and Team 3 was coached by The Gem.  During preseason, Team 1 stayed in the driver’s seat from start to finish going (6-0) and winning the preseason title.  Team 1 was led by Silk Money, Hilltop, Kimbo and Wakil.

Team 2 led by Big Bank, Lil’ T and West kept fighting battles while having a record of (1-5).  Even though they were outgunned and undermanned they still played with Heart-N-Soul.  They gave a valiant effort for the season.

Team 3 led by Lil’ Bison, Lil’ Chris and 4-09, put on an impressive performance while finishing the preseason at (2-4).  In the double elimination rounds (lower level), Team 1 took home the chip by defeating Team 3 50-41.  Team 1 stayed undefeated with a (3-0) post-season record.  Silk Money, Kimbo and Wakil combined for 42 points of their team’s 50 points.  Team 3 Lil’ Bison and 4-0-9 combined for 34 points of their team 41 points.  Congrats to Team 1 and I hope to see all who participated on the lower level come regular season.

Big ups to the officiating crews (lower level); T.C., The Carpenter, and J.W.  Also the upper level officials; Diesel and Smoke.  Without you this preseason tournament couldn’t be possible.  This is your Preseason Wrap-Up!  Let’s continue exhibit progress and be men of character.  We will be kicking off the 2k13 ‘Legacy Infinite’ season in the near future.  I’ll catch you at the scorer’s table!

Peace,

Bigg Dogg.

Copyright © 2013

Legacy Infinite: Preseason Preview 2013

Legacy – received from ancestors or predecessors or from the past.

-                                        - Merriam – Webster’s Dictionary

Ballers,

Checking out March Madness along with future NBA prospects.  Whether its Peyton Siva (Louisville) dishing out flawless dimes; Khaliff Wyatt (Temple) scoring at will, Trey Burke (Michigan) running the offensive sets efficiently or Aaron Craft (Ohio State) being a defensive stopper at the point guard position.  These players really get my adrenaline flowing for the love of the game.  March Madness is just a foreshadowing, an appetizer of the main course that takes place every summer here, Death Row Basketball! 

This year will be our thirteenth season of existence!  First and foremost, I must thank my brother MannofStat for giving me the opportunity and honor of being a part of history in the making.  I get to write columns this year for Ball Til We Fall (BTWF). That’s Http://www.balltilwefall.blogspot.com/ or Http://www.word2themasses.blogspot.com/.  I have been featured in both sites.

As we progress into the 2K13 season, let’s not forget our brother who got the ball bouncing, Earl J. Richmond, a.k.a., The Blueprint.  Our first basketball season started in the year 2000.  Back then we only had two games for the regular season and then the championship.  I was fortunate to be a part of the team that won the first championship title.  Needless to say, The Blueprint was giving out dimes at will; a true team leader.  The longevity and resilience of this league has evolved – meeting the ears of the blogosphere. 

We are now, not only featured in the U.S., but also featured throughout various parts of the world.  Thanks to vision and innovation, we have grown considerably.  Our first season on the blogosphere was the 2K10 season called, “Bringing the Heat.” This year’s season for 2K13 will be entitled, “Legacy Infinite.” For all you ballers, coaches and statisticians who have participated in some form or fashion over the years, I applaud you for continuing the legacy of this league.  Our season now consists of twelve games with a double elimination playoff.  Look how far we have come!

As I unlace my shoe strings for the stats table this year, I’ll still be enjoying the love of the game through the old heads of this league: “The Phenom,” Heart-N-Soul,” “The Carpenter,” “E-Smoove,” “Bucktown,” “The Human Eraser,” “The General,” “Geezy,” “Runny Ray,” and “El-Concrete.” I’ll also be checking out the youngsters of the league: “Silk Money,” “Frost,” “Billy Ho,” “Lil’ Bison,” “Scrappy,” “4-0-9,” and “Streetz.” I can’t forget our officiating crew who have many championships between them: “Big Bank,” “The Diesel,” and Lil’ Magic.” All these ballers and some I didn’t mention at this time have inspired me over the years to be a better person and human being.  That’s all a man can ask for!

Legacy, brothers! Let’s remember, each new day you are writing history.  Whether it’s through the templates of your hearts and minds or through others memories of you! Make sure you leave a lasting positive impression!

Peace,

Bigg Dogg

Copyright © 2013

2013 ALL-WORLD TEAM

1^ST TEAM

The Phenom

Heart-N-Soul

Silk Money

E-Smoove

Scoop

2^ND TEAM

4-0-9

Bucktown

Scrappy

Billy Ho

Nasty Nas

Legacy Infinite: Passing the Torch

B-ballers,

What’s good?  For as long as I can remember, playing basketball has been a joy to me.  As a student of this game – bringing you the play-by-play commentary for the past six years has simply been a labor of love.  Word is bond!

Within the past year, my writings have opened the door for new literary challenges.  I’m currently working on the sequel to my first novel, “Concrete Seeds Volume 1, the Sowing.” From day-to-day I’m growing as a writer, through the education of the Gotham Writer’s Workshop.  I’m also enrolled in a creative writing class here at the prison.

With these irons in the fire – as well as maintaining the movement we know as W2TM – your MannofStat has come to the realization that this would be the prime opportunity to trust my teammates with the legacy of what we’ve come to know as, BTWF.

So, I’ve turned over the lead commentary duties to my right hand man, Mr. Blue.  You’re more than familiar with his up front style of writing and his passion for “GMB” (grown man basketball).  Pulling no punches; you can expect Mr. Blue to continue to give you that real deal Holyfield.  Ya heard?

The most unexpected substitution will be my man, Bigg Dogg, stepping off the porch, to man the stat table in my spot.  In past years, the Bigg Dogg was best known for the ferocity of a beast on the boards, and his keen court vision.  The bark of the Bigg Dogg is a staple of the death row rec yard.  But, his mathematical skills and his b-ball commentary will be the bark that echoes throughout this year’s tournament.  Na mean?

In no way is my passing the torch a gesture of abandonment.  Our cause is much too significant for me to just walk away.  I’ll still bring the Rap Sessions to your computer screens and continue to assist my stat team at the table.  My input will be felt throughout the season.  No doubt.

In order for me to continue my growth as a writer, I have to dedicate more time to my literary studies.  B-ball commentary is my comfort zone.  Stepping outside of my comfort zone is all the more reason to strive for greatness.  I mean, I’m well aware that I’m swimming upstream in this quest of achieving the literary gold medal.  Just know that when I dive in, I plan to surface as a winner.  Feel me?

 

So, I now welcome you to this year’s Ball-Til-We-Fall (BTWF) tournament, ‘Legacy Infinite.’  The fire continues to burn.  Ya heard?

Always 100,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann